Port Arthur, Tasmania

Australia

Explore Australia's most significant convict heritage site where haunting colonial ruins tell stories of the nation's darker past.

💱 Currency Australian Dollar (AUD)

🗣 Language English

🕐 Time Zone AEDT (UTC+11) / AEST (UTC+10)

☀️ Best Time to Visit Oct–Apr

🚢 Typical Duration 5-27 nights

💰 Price Range From $451 pp

⚓ Port Type Port of Call

🚤 Tender Port No

Gateway to Tasmania's natural wonders, offering access to historic Port Arthur, pristine wilderness, and some of Australia's most scenic coastal landscapes.

Cruises that visit Port Arthur, Tasmania

Build Your Day in Port Arthur, Tasmania

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 5:00 PM

Usually about 9 hours ashore

My ship arrives around: Getting around:

Port Arthur Historic Site You know, Port Arthur in Tasmania, Australia, is quite something. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 11k

Port Arthur Lavender Great place to visit if you are at Port Arthur. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 2k

Remarkable Cave Must see if you are going to Port Arthur. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 2k

Tasmans Arch If you are visiting Port Arthur, Tasmans Arch is a must-do side trip. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 2k 🕐 Temporarily closed

Tasmanian Devil Unzoo A must-see if you are exploring the Port Arthur region. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 2k

Barilla Bay Oyster Farm It was a perfect introduction to the incredible food of Tasmania. Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 1k

Tasman Island Cruises An absolute must-do activity when in Port Arthur. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 1k

NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park Really well located and great prices. Holiday park · ★ 4.5 · 1k

The Fox and Hounds Historic Hotel Very relaxing and lovely cold beers served with a smile Motel · ★ 3.5 · 1k

Port Arthur Historic Site Cafe Port arthur was number 1 on experiences i had going to Tasmania. Cafe · ★ 4.2 · 1k

Port Arthur Motor Inn & Restaurant This is a must do if in the Port Arthur region. Motel · ★ 4 · 0k

On the Bay Restaurant We booked a dinner here when staying in Port Arthur. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 4:30 PM

Port Arthur Ghost Tours It's a must do tour if you're visiting Port Arthur. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 PM

The Penitentiary Takes about 3 hrs to visit all the places in Port Arthur. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k

1830 Restaurant and Bar, Port Arthur Might be the best food I ate in Tasmania. Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k

The Fox and Hounds Restaurant The building has an amazing Tudor style pub atmosphere. Bar · ★ 3.5 · 0k

McHenry Distillery Staff are so friendly, very knowledgeable and the variety is vast. Distillery · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 4 PM

Port Arthur General Store & Takeaways A well-stocked store with plenty of gifts available for purchase too. Fuel supplier · ★ 4.4 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 7 PM

Cape Raoul Lookout We only walked to the observation deck and then to shipsterns lookout. Observation deck · ★ 4.9 · 0k

Separate Prison One of the more interesting places to visit at port Arthur Historical landmark · ★ 4.6 · 0k

Maingon Bay Lookout Stunning views only a short trip from Port Arthur. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k

Little Norfolk Bay Bistro & Chalets We had a fantastic dinner here after visiting Port Arthur. Seafood · ★ 4.5 · 0k

Three Capes Walk - Life's An Adventure Well worth the trip to Tasmania. Tour agency · ★ 4.9 · 0k

Memorial Garden Really beautiful with a great ANZAC history. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k

Safety Cove beach An estuarine beach, near Port Arthur. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.9 · 0k

Port Arthur Historic Site Gift Shop Very modern, gifts and food as well as info. Gift shop · ★ 4 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 5 PM

The Port Arthur Historic Site Port Arthur is something special. Historical landmark · ★ 4.4 · 0k

Commandants Table Restaurant A hidden gem in Port Arthur. Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM

Salmon Rock A fish-shaped rock can be spotted right from the car park. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Open now

Port Arthur Supermarket Awesome, convenient and opened in Christmas! Grocery store · ★ 2.6 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 7 PM

The Old Farm, Tasmania Event venue · ★ 5 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Port Arthur, Tasmania

About Port Arthur, Tasmania

Port Arthur, Tasmania serves as a scenic port of call for cruise passengers exploring Australia's southeastern coastline. With two major cruise lines—Holland America Line and Carnival Cruise Line—calling regularly throughout the year, this charming Tasmanian port offers convenient access to some of the region's most compelling destinations. Peak season runs from October through December and again in April, with most itineraries featuring 5-night voyages that combine Port Arthur with popular stops in Hobart, Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide.

Once ashore, cruise passengers discover a destination rich with historical significance and natural beauty. The iconic Port Arthur Historic Site, a UNESCO World Heritage location, stands as the port's most compelling attraction, offering fascinating insights into Australia's colonial past. Beyond history, visitors find themselves surrounded by Tasmania's rugged coastline and pristine landscapes, making Port Arthur an ideal base for those seeking to experience the raw beauty of Australia's island state during their brief time in port.

Explore Australia's Convict History

Visit the haunting Port Arthur Historic Site, Tasmania's most significant heritage destination. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed former convict prison reveals Australia's colonial past through remarkably preserved buildings, museums, and guided tours. Spend 3-4 hours walking the grounds to understand the lives of convicts and the site's transformation into a tourist attraction.

Taste Fresh Tasmanian Seafood

Indulge in Port Arthur's exceptional local seafood, including wild-caught abalone, crayfish, and Atlantic salmon. Waterfront restaurants and local eateries serve these delicacies with stunning bay views. Don't miss Tasmanian oysters and fresh fish and chips—a quintessential Australian coastal dining experience unique to this region.

Marvel at Remarkable Cave Formations

Journey to Remarkable Cave, a spectacular natural wonder featuring towering sea cliffs and a dramatic underground cavern accessible by descending 186 steps. The cave's cathedral-like chamber and echoing acoustics create an unforgettable experience. Located just outside Port Arthur, it showcases Tasmania's raw natural beauty and geological wonders.

Browse Local Artisan Markets

Discover authentic Tasmanian crafts, artisan goods, and local products at Port Arthur's markets and specialty shops. Browse handmade jewelry, woodwork, and regional produce from local makers. These venues offer genuine souvenirs and gifts that reflect the character and creativity of Tasmania's artistic community.

Cruise the Historic Port Arthur Waters

Take a scenic boat tour around Port Arthur's picturesque harbor and surrounding islands, including Isle of the Dead and Point Puer. These cruises provide unique perspectives of the historic site from the water and reveal the region's maritime heritage. It's an immersive way to experience Port Arthur's stunning coastal landscape and historical significance.